The ultimate Western North Carolina experience isn't complete without some time in the great outdoors. We've rounded up great places to stay for hiking, wildlife viewing, and camp living, on a scale of "roughing it" to full-on glamping. Cheers, campers.

Backcountry camping

If you're a seasoned backpacker, probably able to win a season of "Survivor," and looking for nothing more than some level ground to sleep on, these camp areas are for you. Note: Be sure to read up on bear safety, hiking etiquette, if you'll need a backcountry camping permit, and make sure you're prepared with water and supplies.

Find unparalleled views at Black Balsam Knob. | Photo by @awildbloom

Black Balsam Knob
Why you should go: While these trails are popular to the point of being overcrowded during summertime, they're popular for a reason: mountain balds offer tree-less lookouts to take in soaring Blue Ridge Parkway views.

~1 hour and 10 mins from downtown
Open year-round; stay informed of Parkway closures
Camp on top of the balds, 1,000 ft. away from the trail. Note: Campfires are not allowed, and bear-resistant containers are required.

Waterfalls and cliffs abound in Panthertown Valley. | Photo by @alloverthisplanet

Panthertown Valley
Why you should go:Granite rock domes and cliffsides have earned Panthertown Valley the nickname “the Yosemite of the East.”

~1 hour and 30 mins from downtown. Pro Tip: Limited parking is available at three different trailheads. Follow these directions.
Open year-round
Camp at level sites off-trail, looking for established sites and following all camping rules. Note: Bear-resistant containers are now required for overnight camping.

Campgrounds

Looking to tent camp or park the RV at a campground? The Asheville area and beyond is full of campground options, whether you're looking for an electric hookup, hot showers, or simply a dark place to gaze at the stars.

Views of the stunning Lake Powhatan are a perk of this campground. | Photo by @embracelifemoments

Lake Powhatan
Why you should go: Only a short drive from Asheville, families will love the sandy swimming beach alongside the lake at this camp.

~20 mins from downtown
Open year-round
Camping supported: Tent, RV (electric and nonelectric)
Activities: Swimming (including swimming beach), fishing, hiking, mountain biking
Amenities: Drinking water, hot showers, flush toilets, ice and firewood for purchase, pets allowed
Browse available campsites.

Get lost in nature at North Mills River. | Photo by @csmithwnc

North Mills River
Why you should go: Get your nature fix from woodsy campsites, with the bonus of notably clean bathrooms on-site, plus nearby grocery stores and breweries just in case.

~30 mins from downtown
Open year-round
Camping supported: Tent, RV (electric and nonelectric)
Activities: Trout fishing, tubing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, summer educational programs
Amenities: Water available seasonally, hot showers, flush toilets, firewood and fire-starter for purchase, pets allowed
Browse available campsites.

Hike along the creek and Curtis Creek Campground. | Photo by @trrussellphotography

Curtis Creek Campground
Why you should go:Picturesque scenes await you in this secluded camp, thanks to old-growth forests and the babbling Curtis Creek.

~40 mins from downtown
Open Fri., March 31- Sun., Dec. 31 in 2023
Camping supported: Tent, RV (nonelectric)
Activities: Hiking, biking, trout fishing, horseback riding, swimming hole wading
Amenities: Drinking water pumps, vault toilets
Browse available campsites.

Mount Pisgah might just take your breath away. | Photo by @gvl.girl

Mount Pisgah Campground
Why you should go: At an elevation of 4,980 feet, this campground offers stunning Blue Ridge Parkway views as well as respite from the heat during summertime.

~45 mins from downtown
Open Friday, May 19-Saturday, Nov. 4 in 2023
Camping supported: Tent, RV (nonelectric)
Activities: Hiking, guided interpretive walks
Amenities: Accessible showers, flush toilets, food storage locker, pets allowed
Browse available campsites. Pro tip: Campsites all reserved? About 70 more spots are available for in-person booking on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The beauties of the Davidson River await you with this camp choice. | Photo by Gary Stevens via Flickr + Wikimedia Commons

Davidson River
Why you should go: If you like your hiking trails with a side of waterfalls, Davidson River is your place to camp.

~45 mins from downtown
Open year-round
Camping supported: Tent, RV (electric and nonelectric)
Activities: Swimming (with swimming site), trout fishing, hiking, bike rentals, summer and fall educational programs
Amenities: Hot showers, flush toilets, ice and firewood for purchase, pets allowed
Browse available campsites.

Enjoy greenery and great hiking trails around Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area. | Photo by @travel.theparks

Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area
Why you should go: Fishers will love how accessible the nearby river is, while all campers can appreciate the hemlocks and greenery of Pisgah National Forest.

~1 hour from downtown
Open Saturday, April 15-Monday, Oct. 30 in 2023
Camping supported: Tent, RV (nonelectric)
Activities: Swimming, tubing, fishing, hiking
Amenities: Hot showers, flush toilets, ice and firewood for purchase
Browse available campsites.

Gorges State Park? More like *gorgeous* state park. | Photo by @elchilivan

Gorges State Park
Why you should go: Staggering rock walls, river gorges, and waterfalls await. Bonus: Primitive sites are also available to reserve in advance.

~1 hour and 15 mins from downtown
Open year-round
Camping supported: Tent, RV (electric).
Activities: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing
Amenities: Showers, vault toilets, water spigot, pets allowed
Browse available campsites.

Plan a fall trip for peak foliage in South Mountains State Park. | Photo by @gypsynomad27

South Mountains State Park
Why you should go: An 80-foot high waterfall is accessible via hiking trial. Plus, seasoned mountain bikers can try their hand at a difficult 17-mile loop.

~1 hour and 15 mins from downtown
Open year-round
Camping supported: Tent, RV (Electric — limited spots), equestrian (electric)
Activites: Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, trout fishing
Amenities: Hot showers, drinking water, pit toilets, firewood, pets allowed
Browse available campsites.

This doggo is thrilled his owner decided to go to Smokemont Campground. | Photo by @aspen.atlas

Smokemont Campground
Why you should go: Located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, find bio-diverse, unforgettable hikes right from your site.

~1 hour and 20 mins from downtown
Open year-round
Camping supported: Tent, RV (nonelectric)
Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding
Amenities: Drinking water, flush toilets, pets allowed
Browse available campsites.

Cabins and cottages

Looking for access to trails and wildlife, without sacrificing the comfort of a proper bed at the end of the day? We've selected some of our favorite Vrbos to book some cabin time close to town.

Bamboo House at Mountain Meadows | Photo via Vrbo

Bamboo House at Mountain Meadows
Why book: At 3,500-ft. elevation, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Parkway meet a California King-sized bed.

~$300 a night
4 BD | 3 BA
Amenities: Rain head shower, grill, hot tub, deck

Cold Creek Cottage
Why book: A backyard creek, a foosball table, and an outdoor basketball court make this the perfect family vacation home.

~$107 a night
5 BD | 2 BA
Amenities: Grill, games, Biltmore Estate pass

Newly Renovated Home
Why book: Thanks to recent renovations, this modern chalet nestled into the edge of Pisgah National Forest is practically luxurious.

~$280 a night
2 BD | 2 BA
Amenities: Deep soaking tub, gas fireplace, grill

Artist's Mountain Retreat | Photo via Vrbo

Artist's Mountain Retreat
Why book: Proximity to both Asheville and the mountains make this a great base camp for all your North Carolina adventures.

~$179 a night
2 BD | 1 BA
Amenities: Pet-friendly, washer and dryer, linens and towels provided

1920s Bungalow
Why book: With a deck and a lawn, stunning views, and a fire pit, you'll be living your version of camping in no time.

~$205 a night
2 BD | 2 BA
Amenities: Fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer

Black Mountain Cabin
Why book: This custom-built cedar log house will give you the cabin getaway you've been dreaming of.

~$185 a night
3 BD | 2 BA
Amenities: Fireplace with split wood provided, deck and patio, puzzles and board games

Big Oak Cabin
Why book: This newly built home is only 15 minutes driving distance from Asheville.

~$159 a night
3 BD | 2 BA
Fire pit with wood provided, linens and towels provided, deck and porch

Chimney Rock River House | Photo via Vrbo

Chimney Rock River House
Why book: A rushing river will literally be in your backyard at this house — plus, there's an outdoor hot tub to enjoy the views from.

~$225 a night
4 BD | 2 BA
Pets allowed, fireplace, fully stocked kitchen

Eagle's Rest Lodge
Why book: Imagine sipping your coffee on the porch and walking straight down to the pond at this cabin.

~$190 a night
3 BD |3 BA
Hot tub, fireplace, hammock

Mountain Vista Retreat
Why book: Gorgeous surrounding mountain views and a hot tub await on this 4 acre private retreat.

~$235 a night
3 BD | 3 BA
Fireplace, hot tub, fully equipped kitchen

Candler Log Cabin
Why book: A spot on the edge of a national forest meets a hot tub, pool, and firpit.

~$250 a night
3 BD | 2 BA
Pets allowed, wood burning fireplace, bicycles

Serene Creekside Cottage | Photo by Vrbo

Serene Creekside Cottage
Why book: This adorable cottage is nestled right into the woods, with plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy the nature from.

~$138 a night
2 BD | 2 BA
Washer and dryer, grill, porch

17-Acre Private Horse Farm | Photo via Vrbo

17-Acre Private Horse Farm
Why book: Kids will love seeing the horses on this property, not to mention a pond for fishing.

~$210 a night
2 BD | 2 BA
Hot tub, hammock, porch

Mountaintop Log Cabin
Why book: You can't beat the views from this classic cabin retreat.

~$333 a night
3 BD | 2 BA
Hot tub, fireplace, board games